Economic opportunity will increasingly favor workers with higher levels of education and training, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
The Future of Good Jobs: Projections Through 2031 is based on CEW’s projections of all jobs and forecasts the share and number of good jobs in 2031 for workers ages 25–64 by 22 occupational groups and three educational pathways (bachelor’s, middle-skills, and high school). CEW defines a good job as one that pays, nationally, a minimum of $43,000 to workers ages 25–44, a minimum of $55,000 to workers ages 45–64, and a median of $82,000 for all good jobs.
While there will be good jobs on every educational pathway in 2031, only 15 percent will be available to workers with a high school diploma or less, the report states, compared to 66 percent with a bachelor’s degree or higher and 19 percent with associate degrees, some college credit, licenses, and certifications.